Ben Hur 1 - Belgrano 2

Belgrano celebrate the winning goal (Photo source: LMCBA)

Belgrano kept their promotion hopes very much alive after securing an unlikely win against Ben Hur in Rafaela. With Ben Hur desperately fighting to avoid relegation and Belgrano needing a win to help them close in on the promotion spots, it promised to be an exciting match. Only that it wasn't. Both sides looked average and were bereft of ideas to get a result. Ben Hur were more positive throughout the game while Belgrano decided to play the waiting game that so well has suited them lately. And the first goal came from a quick Belgrano break that saw Gigli connecting a perfect cross from Suarez. Belgrano didn't have time to celebrate since 4 minutes later, Klusener evened the match with a lobbed header. The goals had arrived but the match was still very poor. Ben Hur threatened the Belgrano goal several times before half time but Belgrano held on firmly. Gomez decided to pull Gigli out and rebuilt a four-men defense aiming at having a grasp of the ball. Ben Hur seemed to have slowed down their pace and were finding it harder to unsettle Belgrano. When the match was undoubtedly heading for a draw, Suarez had another cross into the box that found his way to Lollo who scored with a half-volley. It was 2-1 with 4 minutes left and Belgrano were jubilant. There would be still time for a gross mistake by the referee who should have given Ben Hur a penalty and a disallowed Ben Hur goal for a clear offside position. Belgrano didn't deserve to win, but with the chance of promotion so close to our grasp, who cares?

Goals: Gigli (B), Klusener (BH), Lollo (B)
Sent off: Carrizo (BH)
Attendance: 1000

Round 34

Ben Hur - Belgrano

Stadium: Sportivo Ben HUr
Thursday, 15 May 2008, 20:30
Referee: Miguel Mazzon
Odds: not available
Previous: Belgrano 0 - Ben Hur 2
Key Players: Bustos (B), Klusener (BH)
Recent History: Ben Hur won 2 out of last 3 matches. Belgrano won only once.
Prediction: Ben Hur 1 - Belgrano 1

Belgrano 0 - Independiente (MZA) 1

Belgrano lacked ideas (Photo source: LMCBA)

Belgrano suffered a huge blow to their promotion hopes after a shock loss to Independiente de Mendoza. At this stage, it is evident that Belgrano are not only lacking good play but also confidence. Because Independiente (MZA) didn't do much to deserve to win but they found an early goal after a header by Giarrizo (I) and that was all it took to undo Belgrano. After that goal, Belgrano showed why they have been unable to win home matches. They were nervous, as if they were afraid to try to play football. The few chances they created were either squandered by the strikers or easily disposed of by the Independiente (MZA)'s keeper. Manzanelli and Crossa came close to an equalizer but Belgrano could have played all afternoon and still wouldn't have scored a goal. The frustration of the home fans grew larger and they took it with the coach and some of the players. There was no late-gasp goal to save the draw this time around and Belgrano may yet have to work very hard to cling to the fourth place in the remaining five matches. It was disheartening for the fans who were clearly expecting a win and a revenge for the 7-0 humiliation suffered last year in Mendoza. Belgrano go to relegation-troubled Ben Hur next round.

Goals: Giarrizo (I)
Sent off: Landagarza (I)
Attendance: 17000

Round 33

Belgrano - Indep. Mza.

Stadium: Gigante de Alberdi
Saturday: 10 May 2008, 15:30
Referee: Guillermo Rietti
Odds: 1.67 (H), 3.3 (D), 5 (A)
Previous: Independiente (MZA) 7 - Belgrano 0
Key Players: Gigli (B), Gomez (I)
Recent History: Independiente (MZA) won 2 and drawed once in the last three
Prediction: Belgrano 4 - Independiente 1

Suarez deal officially finished

The judge informed that on Wednesday RSC Anderlecht made a total payment of 1.2m euros which will be later distributed between the different parts involved in the transaction. The net amount to be received by Belgrano is just over 600K and only half of that will go towards clearing the consolidated debt.

It was also revealed that Suarez is expected to join his new teammates on the 24th June having agreed on a 5-year contract with the traditional Belgian club. But Suarez could delay his arrival to RSC Anderlecht if Belgrano have to play promotion matches. He has often said that promotion means a lot to him and would be a fitting finale to his career in Belgrano

Talleres 0 - 0 Belgrano

Belgrano put in a spirited effort (Photo source: La Voz)

Talleres and Belgrano ended up locked in a goalless draw that was ultimately disappointing for both teams. Belgrano had better chances but Talleres also threatened upfront and in the end the draw felt like it was the right result. The opening minutes saw Belgrano dictating play with both Gigli and Bustos causing difficulties for the Talleres defenders. Lollo, helped by Lux, controlled the midfield and the Belgrano back line kept the home team strikers at bay. Brasca (T) saved from Bustos and Gigli and Talleres only threatened with a ball that ricotched to Reyes that forced a prompt response from Olave. Although Talleres slowly started to put a foot in the game, Belgrano were more dangerous and went close to opening the score when Bustos rattled the crossbar from long range as the half come to a close. The second half was more evenly matched. Talleres improved with the introduction of Rosales and Viveros while Belgrano opted to sit back waiting for their chance. Talleres threatened, usually with dangerous crosses and through balls that were cleared by the Belgrano defense. The match seemed to present Belgrano with a golden chance when Brasca (T) was sent off after a childish headbutt on Aldecoa but Talleres held on firmly. It could have gone Belgrano's way but ultimately the goalless draw seemed the more fitting result for a match that offered very little from both sides. They sure put in a gutsy and spirited display but they forgot about the football.

Goals: -
Sent off: Brasca (T)
Attendance: 40000

Banderazo!

Belgrano fans organized a banderazo before the derby to show the players their support and wishing them good luck for the match today. A banderazo is a gathering of fans waving flags, wearing club shirts, and playing drums and trumpets as a way of showing support to the team and players. Media sources informed around 5000 (yes, five thousand) fans gathered at the most traditional corner of Cordoba and later marched on to the hotel where the players were resting prior to the derby. The players took it in great mood as they were waving and singing from their rooms. It was an amazing celebration as only our wonderful fans can do it. Here is a clip made by the folks from Soy Celeste:

Wow, just wow! Keep it up guys and we hope the players get the job done today.

The big day

Belgrano face Talleres in the local derby and it will be a special day for both teams. Belgrano, fighting for the title and promotion to Primera, will be targeting a win to foster their chances to leapfrog Godoy Cruz in the table. Talleres, fighting for relegation and promotion to the third division of Argentine football, will be hoping Belgrano do not turn on the style and give them the killing blow. For a Belgrano win will leave Talleres in a desperate position. Is there any greater incentive for winning this derby than the prospect of sending these scumbags straight into hell? I don't think so. It's because of this that our players must be focused on getting the win today. This is a must win match. We already know we are the biggest club in Cordoba. We now have to remind them of that.

Come on Belgrano! Come on Suarez, Bustos, Olave and all you guys out there. Let's teach them a lesson they'll never forget.

We win, no matter what.